SPORTS TO STRENGTHEN FIJI, JAPAN TIES

Sports has always been an important avenue for nations to conduct diplomatic activities and strengthen relations.

It has quickly become a diplomatic asset, bringing people together in ways that transcend linguistic and socio-cultural differences.

Larger nations such as Australia, the United States and China have a history of contributing to sporting initiatives in Fiji and the region.

Sports diplomacy will once again be pushed to centre this year as Japan hosts the Olympic Games in July and the Paralympics Games in August.

Japan has been an important ally to Fiji since establishing diplomatic ties 50 years ago.

To celebrate the 50 years, the Embassy of Japan will have a booth in Damodar City, Suva, in March to promote Japanese culture and the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Apart from their contribution to infrastructure projects and other humanitarian assistance, Japan’s role in developing sport in Fiji is sometimes unacknowledged.

Japan’s ambassador to Fiji, Masahiro Omura, believes relations between Fiji and Japan will be further strengthened through sports in 2020.

Omura said that sport had enabled greater people-to-people, economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries

Two of Fiji’s top athletes are currently studying in Japan on sports scholarships, namely judoka Tevita Takayawa and Sally Yee of table tennis.

Both are in contention to qualify for the Olympics.

There is also huge interest in Japan to host travelling Fijian rugby teams, particularly in Akita City, Ryugasaki City, Yanagawa

City, Miyama City, Miyako-machi and Oita City.

“I think Fiji rugby teams are very popular in Japan. A lot of local communities in Japan are interested in hosting pre-game camps and it’s been happening for a few years now,” Omura said.

“In this way, local communities in Japan and Fiji strengthen relationships and that has a good impact on business relations as well.

“We are having a business delegation to Fiji on February 26-27 and we are getting participation through the channels of such local connections as well.”

Japan has also introduced sports such as baseball, judo, karate and softball in Fiji.

As part of its ‘Sports for Tomorrow’ programme, Japan regularly organises baseball matches and sailing clinics, while also donating uniforms for Karate, Judo and Baseball Associations in Fiji.

The use of sports diplomacy exposes Fijian athletes to

Japanese culture and gives them access to top coaches and proper equipment.

It also provides them with an opportunity to establish links with Japanese sports professionals.

According to Team Fiji chef de mission, Patrick Bower, Japan’s contribution to sport in the country has been immense.

He said: “The new sports introduced has really built a lot into our communities.

“Some of the students in Fiji never knew about baseball and having played it now, they realise that wow this alternative sport that I can play.”